Marine heat waves

Marine heat waves are periods of persistent anomalously warm ocean temperatures, which can have significant impacts on marine life as well as coastal communities and economies.

Source: NOAA

Map showing a marine heat wave known as "the blob" which spread across the northeastern Pacific Ocean from 2014 to 2016. Image: Joshua Stevens/NASA Earth Observatory, Data: Coral Reef Watch

OVERVIEW

'The blob' revisited: Marine heat waves and the Salish Sea

Years after the appearance of the devastating marine heat wave known as "the blob," scientists are still working to understand how it has affected the Salish Sea. In some ways, they say, it is like the blob never left.

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Data image showing marine heatwave known as the Blob
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Rhinoceros auklets near Protection Island. Photo: Peter Hodum
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